Amnesty International and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have jointly released a travel advisory cautioning foreign nationals planning to attend the FIFA World Cup in the United States that the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation campaign could put them at risk. The warning, backed by roughly 120 human rights organizations, flags potential dangers for fans, players, journalists, and other visitors.
The advisory states that “fans, players, journalists and other visitors … could be at risk of serious violations as the Trump administration doubles down on its draconian immigration and anti-human rights agenda.” It specifically notes that immigrant communities, racial and ethnic minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals face heightened vulnerability to harm while traveling to or within the country.
Key concerns include denial of entry for citizens from countries subject to travel bans, such as Afghanistan, Burma, Iran, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. The advisory also warns of “invasive social media screening and searches of electronic devices” and “violent and unconstitutional immigration enforcement, including racial profiling and other discrimination by law enforcement.”
The warning references incidents where law enforcement “intimidated, harassed, and used force against protesters” in retaliation for protected speech, including those observing immigration enforcement actions. This appears to allude to the January shooting deaths of U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were killed while challenging federal immigration operations in Minneapolis in separate encounters.
Additionally, the groups highlight that individuals expressing political views diverging from the administration’s, such as activism in support of Palestinian rights, face risks of arbitrary detention and deportation. They also warn of “serious risk of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, and in some cases, death, while in immigration detention facilities or custody.”
The White House has not responded to requests for comment from The Hill, but spokesperson Davis Ingle told USA Today that the administration is committed to making the World Cup “the safest and most secure in history.” Ingle dismissed the advisory as “ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media.”
The tournament will span 11 U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, which has seen intensified immigration enforcement since President Trump began his second term. Amnesty International USA’s Americas Advocacy Director, Daniel Noroña, warned that “if the U.S. government and host cities cannot guarantee the rights and safety of all, this tournament risks falling far short of FIFA’s promise of a safe, welcoming, and inclusive event.”
The advisory comes amid broader concerns over the administration’s immigration policies, which have drawn comparisons to earlier travel bans and enforcement actions. The groups urge FIFA and host cities to ensure protections for all attendees, echoing calls from over 90 civil society organizations in a July 2025 letter to FIFA.
